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Take a Trip Around the World along Buford Highway

Take a Trip Around the World along Buford Highway

Take a culinary trip around the world along Buford Highway in North Atlanta. The Buford Highway corridor is one of the most ethnically diverse regions of the country, and, as a result, is home to more than 1,000 different immigrant-owned businesses, including excellent restaurants and many shopping centers representing cultures from all over the world. Signs along the highway in Cantonese, Korean, Thai, Vietnamese, Spanish, Bangladeshi and more transport visitors to other countries instantly, and the wide variety of cuisines and restaurants can make it hard to choose where to start. But if you are in a hurry and you want to be guaranteed you will find what you are looking for, head straight to the Buford Farmers Market, which caters to clientele from across the globe.

There are three ways you can explore Buford Highway – shopping for exotic ingredients in international markets or eating your way around the world at specialized shopping centers or at individual restaurants from countries worldwide.

Stock up at Farmers Markets with an International Twist

Just north of Asian Square is a multicultural grocery store worth checking out. Buford Highway Farmers Market has operated for more than 30 years, providing ethnic foods from global destinations. Some of the regions represented include Central and South America, West Africa, Japan and Eastern Europe. Visitors can find everything from fruits and vegetables to exotic ingredients and specialty items. The market also offers cooking classes from 13 chefs who specialize in worldly cuisines.

Sample from Delicious Options at International Shopping Centers

One location that offers a wide diversity of food options is Asian Square Shopping Center. This unique plaza has dishes from far-flung locales with options such as Korean BBQ, bahn mi sandwiches and pho. La Mei Zi is run by two sisters who offer spicy traditional Taiwanese dishes like beef, noodles and rice as well as Sichuan plates and soups that pack a hot punch.

Across the plaza, Mamak highlights Malaysian style foods that are typically found at street stalls. Curry, tofu and beef dominate the menu offerings with unique dishes like salt and pepper squid and lemongrass chicken nudged in between. For a sweet treat, Sweet Hut Bakery can satisfy a craving for an after lunch or dinner snack. Sweet Hut Bakery is one-of-a-kind with Asian-inspired goods such as red bean mochi, a sesame seed-topped bun with sweet cream wrapped in a mochi rice cake. The signature bubble teas contain chewy tapioca balls.

In the mood for authentic Mexican and Central American cuisine? Plaza Fiesta is a colorful shopping center that will transport you to Mexico and beyond. Amid stores selling cowboy boots, Quinceañera dresses, futbol jerseys and other merchandise, you can sample mouth-watering tacos, carnitas, ceviche, fresh fruit, pastries and much more.

Try Restaurants from Many Countries and Cuisines

Eating your way along Buford Highway can be more challenging given the diversity of cuisines and establishments, but here are some highlights organized by country and region to help you narrow your focus to the cuisine of your interest. Most restaurants here are casual family style, although there are a few finer dining establishments to be found.

Chinese: Dim sum is a great option, with Canton House and Royal China offering popular selections.

How to Get to Buford Highway

Fewer than six miles from Centennial Olympic Park in Downtown Atlanta or two miles from Lenox Square in Buckhead, you can begin Atlanta's world tour along the famous Buford Highway, a 35-mile road connecting Atlanta with the city of Buford. The best way to get there is by car, taxi or a ride-sharing service. MARTA also offers bus service, and the Doraville station is the closest for rail.

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Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau

Established in 1913, Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau is the official destination marketing organization for the city and serves to favorably impact Atlanta's economy through conventions and tourism.